Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called for the withdrawal of national honours from persons with questionable character, saying that awards represent a way of recognising worthy citizens who have made invaluable contributions to the growth and social emancipation of the society.
According to Jonathan, those who lack integrity and no longer deserving such honours should be stripped of them.
The former President also called for a law empowering the Federal and states governments to withdraw national honours and awards from holders found wanting in character and conduct.
Jonathan spoke in Abakaliki on Thursday night during the maiden Ebonyi State Honors Award where he was conferred with Grand Commander, Ebonyi Hall of Fame (GCEHF)
He said, “Talking about awards, I want to say, probably, when we are making laws, at the federal level, there should be an amendment empowering the president or the governors to strike off such honours.”
Jonathan added that his award would further strengthen the age-long bond between Bayelsa and Ebonyi states.
About 300 prominent Nigerians from all over the country were honored during the event.
Among those honoured at the grand finale at the Christian Ecumenical Centre, Abakaliki, was the former Head of State, the late Gen Sani Abacha.
The late Abacha was honoured posthumously as GCEHF for being the instrument for Ebonyi State creation in October, 1996.
Other honourees included the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof Ibrahim Gambari; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor; two former Governors of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi and Ayo Fayose as well as former Governor of Abia State, Chief Theodore Orji.
Governor Umahi also honoured his predecessors, Chief Martin Elechi and Senator Sam Egwu as well as the first Military Administrator of the State, Navy Commander Walter Feghabor, among others.
The special guest of honour for the event, President Muhammadu Buhari, congratulated Governor Umahi for the feats he has attained in political leadership.
Buhari, whose speech was delivered by his Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, noted that Governor Umahi’s administrative policies are in tandem with the three core pillars of his administration: Economy, Security and war against corruption.
The President also commended Umahi for his commitment to security in the South-East, his unprecedented infrastructure and agricultural policies which he observed, have made Ebonyi one of the largest producers of rice in the country.
